fossy
Having never been to centre parcs, then I assume the ‘gates thing’ is just for ‘unloading’ – i.e. drive to the lodge with stuff, then go park back at the car park. If so, I’d park up, and get the bikes off and pedal down to the lodge with my family’s stuff, just to hiss off all those waiting to ‘drive’.
This is what we do.
Take a couple of rucsacks with us – one with swimming gear in, the other with ‘essentials’ like tea bags, a pint of milk and some chocolate digestives. Oh, and a lock.
Cycle to the lodge, have a cup of tea, wander around, go for a swim etc. Then head back to the car around 4-5pm when the main CARnage has died down & unload the car.
Drac
Good luck getting in your lodge. 😉
Am I missing something? You get your keys/fobs at the gate upon arrival. Sometimes the room is still being cleaned, but they normally let you dump a bag while you go off for a wander/swim/starbucks….